Calling on the Prime Minister in Gyalyong Tshokhang last week Mr Ratan Tata, accompanied by five of his officials, said Tata Group has always looked at national development as more important than running business. He said he appreciated Bhutan’s desire to maintain its traditional roots and at the same time create prosperity for its people.

“The chemistry is very conducive and I hope hydropower is just the tip of iceberg,” he said. “We are very willing to participate, not necessary to make money,” he said.

He lauded Bhutan for its goal to create a knowledge based society propelled by information technology.

Although the visit was short, he said “I have already fallen in love with your country”.

The Prime Minister said Tata’s involvement would be welcome. An entity that has played a tremendously important role in India’s development, Tata Group, he said, could guide, advise and support Bhutan in many areas.

“A country like Bhutan would be happy to be adopted by Tata,” he said.

The Prime Minister presented a gist of Bhutan’s development priorities and goals, including the need to deepen the roots of democracy.